Vehicle Conveyor System

ABSTRACT

An illustrative embodiment of a vehicle having a cargo area and a cab area is provided, wherein the cargo area may include a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly may include a conveyor assembly section and a pivotable conveyor assembly section. The conveyor assembly section includes at least one conveyor shelf panel which includes a support surface. The pivotable conveyor assembly section may include a bracket that supports a pivotable conveyor panel.

RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/718,426, filed on Dec. 18, 2019, which claimed priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 62/781,916, filed on Dec. 19,2018, which are both incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to cargo and delivery vehicles. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to a conveyor assemblylocated in the cargo area of such vehicles. The conveyor assembly may beextendable to the exterior of the vehicle and may be movable withrespect to shelving or other structures within the cargo area.

Cargo and delivery vehicles typically include forward cab and rearwardcargo area sections. A typical cargo area may be sized and dimensionedto hold packages, supplies, uniforms, etc., for transport, delivery,and/or pickup. Such vehicles are commonly used by companies such as UPS,FedEx, DHL, USPS, Cintas, Aramark, G&K Services, and UniFirst, forexample.

Typically, the cargo areas of such vehicles are relatively sizable,having room to fit many packages or other articles. When doing so, timemay be a factor. This means the time it takes to load or unload such avehicle can be an important metric. Accordingly, any time-savingmechanisms for loading and unloading the cargo area of these vehiclescan be advantageous.

An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehiclehaving a cargo area and a cab area, wherein the cargo area includes aconveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly comprises: a conveyor assemblysection and a pivotable conveyor assembly section. The conveyor assemblysection includes: a plurality of conveyor shelf panels each of whichincludes a support surface, wherein the support surface includes aplurality of roller bearing assemblies supported by a frame, wherein theframe is supported by at least one first slideout assembly whichincludes at least one movable bar that moves with respect to the cargoarea between a first use position and a first stowed position; whereinthe each of the plurality of conveyor shelf panels are independentlymovable with respect to each other; and wherein at least one of theplurality of conveyor shelf panels is movable adjacent to the pivotableconveyor assembly section. The pivotable conveyor assembly sectionincludes: a bracket having at least a top surface and side surface,wherein the top surface of the bracket supports a pivotable conveyorpanel, and the side surface is attached to at least one second slideoutassembly which includes at least one movable bar that moves with respectto the cargo area between the first use position and the first stowedposition; a bearing member attached to a rod which is attached to thebracket, wherein the bearing member is movable along a floor of thecargo area, and wherein the bearing member and rod supports the bracket;wherein the pivotable conveyor panel is pivotable with respect to thebracket to move the pivotable conveyor panel between a second useposition and a second stowed position, wherein the second use positionlocates at least a portion of the pivotable conveyor panel exterior ofthe cargo area and the second stowed position locates the pivotableconveyor panel interior of the cargo area; a ramp that is pivotallyattached and linearly slidable, relative to the pivotable conveyorpanel; at least one piston assembly attached to the pivotable conveyorpanel at a first end and the bracket at a second end, wherein the atleast one piston assembly limits a velocity at which the pivotableconveyor panel moves to the second use position; and a support memberthat includes at least one extension bar that is pivotally attached tothe pivotable conveyor panel and is selectively engageable with aportion of the cargo area to support the pivotable conveyor panel whenlocated in the second use position.

In the above and other illustrative embodiments, the vehicle may furthercomprise: the at least one first slideout assembly includes at least asecond bar telescopingly engagbable with the at least one movable barthat moves with respect to the cargo area between the first use positionand the first stowed position; each of the plurality of roller bearingassemblies includes an axle supported by the frame and a plurality ofroller bearings supported on the axle; each of the plurality of rollerbearing assemblies include at least one axle supported at each end by atleast one roller bracket, wherein the at least one roller bracket issupported by the one of the plurality of conveyor shelf panels, andwherein at least one roller bearing is supported by the axle; the atleast one roller bracket is attached to an underside of the supportsurface, wherein the at least one roller bracket supports the axle atthe underside of the support surface, wherein the support surfaceincludes an opening disposed therethrough, and wherein at least aportion of the at least one roller bearing supported by the axle extendsthrough the opening to a topside of the support surface opposite theunderside of the support surface; the each of the plurality of conveyorshelf panels are independently movable adjacent a wall of the cargo areato the first stowed position and away from the wall of the cargo area tothe first use position; the pivotable conveyor panel is pivotable withrespect to the bracket to move the pivotable conveyor panel between thesecond use position that forms a linear pathway with at least one of theplurality of conveyor shelf panels, and the second stowed position thatorients the pivotable conveyor panel transverse to the at least one ofthe plurality of conveyor shelf panels and no longer locates any portionof the pivotable conveyor panel exterior of the cargo area; the bracketis movable adjacent a wall of the cargo area to the first stowedposition and away from the wall of the cargo area to the first useposition; the bearing member attached to the rod is selected from thegroup consisting of at least one of a castor, a wheel, and a bearingsurface; a ramp extender having a surface located adjacent the ramp andmovable relative to the ramp; the ramp includes at least one sidewallthat includes a slot sized to fit at least one fastener that selectivelyloosens and tightens to allow the ramp extender to move or hold withrespect to the ramp; the ramp extender further comprises at least onemagnet to selectively hold the ramp extender to a structure spaced apartfrom the cargo area; the support member includes a plurality ofextension bars that are pivotally attached to the pivotable conveyorpanel and are selectively engageable with a portion of the cargo area tosupport the pivotable conveyor panel when located in the second useposition; and the pivotable conveyor panel is pivotable with respect tothe bracket to move the pivotable conveyor panel to the second useposition that forms a linear pathway with at least one of the pluralityof conveyor shelf panels when the at least one of the plurality ofconveyor shelf panels is located in its first use position.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides avehicle having a cargo area and a cab area, wherein the cargo areaincludes a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly comprises a conveyorassembly section and a pivotable conveyor assembly section. The conveyorassembly section includes: at least one conveyor shelf panel whichincludes a support surface, wherein the support surface is supported byat least one movable bar that moves with respect to the cargo areabetween a first use position and a first stowed position; and whereinthe at least one conveyor shelf panel is movable adjacent to thepivotable conveyor assembly section. The pivotable conveyor assemblysection includes, a bracket that supports a pivotable conveyor panel;and a second at least one movable bar that moves the bracket withrespect to the cargo area between the first use position and the firststowed position.

In the above and other illustrative embodiments, the vehicle may furtherinclude: a bearing member attached to a rod which is attached to thebracket, wherein the bearing member is movable along a floor of thecargo area, and wherein the bearing member and rod supports the bracket;the pivotable conveyor panel is pivotable with respect to the bracket tomove the pivotable conveyor panel between a second use position and asecond stowed position, wherein the second use position locates at leasta portion of the pivotable conveyor panel exterior of the cargo area andthe second stowed position locates the pivotable conveyor panel interiorof the cargo area; a ramp that is pivotally attached and linearlyslidable, relative to the pivotable conveyor panel; and at least onepiston assembly attached to the pivotable conveyor panel at a first endand the bracket at a second end, wherein the at least one pistonassembly limits a velocity at which the pivotable conveyor panel movesto the second use position.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides avehicle having a cargo area and a cab area, wherein the cargo areaincludes a conveyor assembly. A conveyor assembly section that includes:a plurality of conveyor shelf panels, each of which include a supportsurface, wherein the support surface includes a plurality of rollerbearing assemblies supported by a frame, wherein the frame is supportedby at least one first slideout assembly which includes at least onemovable bar that moves with respect to the cargo area between a firstuse position and a first stowed position.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides avehicle having a cargo area and a cab area, wherein the cargo areaincludes a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly comprises apivotable conveyor assembly section that includes: a bracket having atleast a top surface and side surface, wherein the top surface of thebracket supports a pivotable conveyor panel, and the side surface isattached to at least one second slideout assembly which includes atleast one movable bar that moves with respect to the cargo area betweena first use position and a first stowed position; and a bearing memberattached to a rod which is attached to the bracket, wherein the bearingmember is movable along a floor of the cargo area, and wherein thebearing member and rod supports the bracket. The pivotable conveyorpanel is pivotable with respect to the bracket to move the pivotableconveyor panel between a second use position and a second stowedposition. The second use position locates at least a portion of thepivotable conveyor panel exterior of the cargo area and the secondstowed position locates the pivotable conveyor panel interior of thecargo area.

Additional features and advantages of the vehicle conveyor systemassembly will become apparent to those skilled in the art uponconsideration of the following detailed descriptions of carrying out thevehicle conveyor system assembly as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The concepts described in the present disclosure are illustrated by wayof example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. Forsimplicity, and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in thefigures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensionsof some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements forclarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels may berepeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a delivery/cargo vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the delivery/cargo vehicle showinga conveyor assembly extending from the rear of the cargo area;

FIG. 3 is another rear perspective view of the vehicle showing theconveyor section pivoted to its folded stowed position;

FIG. 4 is a rear partially cut away perspective view of the cargo areaportion of the delivery/cargo vehicle;

FIG. 5 is another rear partially cut away perspective view of the cargoarea portion of the delivery/cargo vehicle;

FIG. 6 is a partially cut away side interior perspective view of thecargo area of the delivery/cargo vehicle;

FIG. 7 is another partially cut away side interior perspective view ofthe cargo area of the delivery/cargo vehicle;

FIG. 8 is another partially cut away side interior perspective view ofthe cargo area of the delivery/cargo vehicle;

FIG. 9 is another partially cut away side interior perspective view ofthe cargo area of the delivery/cargo vehicle;

FIG. 10 is a rearward looking partially cut away perspective view of thecargo area;

FIG. 11 is an underside perspective view of the portion of the conveyorassembly;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of portions of the slideout assemblies ofthe conveyor section;

FIG. 13 as an isolated perspective view of an extension section of thepivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 14 is another isolated perspective view of the pivoting conveyorsection attached to the pivoting slideout assemblies;

FIG. 15 is a perspective underside view of the interior of the cargoarea showing the conveyor section along with the pivoting conveyorsection;

FIG. 16 is an end detailed view of the extension section of the pivotingconveyor section;

FIG. 17 is a detail view of the extension section and a side view of thepivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 18 is another detail view of the extension section and side view ofthe pivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the pivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 20 is an underside detail perspective view of the pivoting conveyorsection;

FIG. 21 is a perspective isolated underside detail view of the extensionsection and pivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 22 is a perspective isolated detail view of the extension sectionand pivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 23 is an isolated perspective view of another illustrativeembodiment of a pivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 24 is an isolated perspective view of the pivoting conveyor sectionof FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective underside view of the interior of the cargoarea showing the conveyor section;

FIG. 26 is a perspective exploded view of the pivoting slideoutassembly;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the pivoting slideout assembly attached to thepivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 28 is an isolated perspective detail view of the pivoting conveyorsection;

FIG. 29 is another perspective detail view of the pivoting conveyorsection;

FIG. 30 is a rearward looking partially cut away perspective view of thecargo area showing the pivoting conveyor section located in its useposition;

FIG. 31 is a side looking partially cut away perspective view of thecargo area showing the conveyor section located in its use position;

FIG. 32 is a rear partially cut away perspective view of the interior ofthe cargo area;

FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of a delivery/cargo vehicle;

FIG. 34 is a rear perspective view of the delivery/cargo vehicle showinganother illustrative embodiment of a conveyor assembly that is extendingfrom the rear of the cargo area;

FIG. 35 is another rear perspective view of the vehicle showing theconveyor section pivoted to its folded stowed position;

FIG. 36 is a rear partially cut away perspective view of the cargo areaportion of the delivery/cargo vehicle;

FIG. 37 is another rear partially cut away perspective view of the cargoarea portion of the delivery/cargo vehicle;

FIG. 38 is a partially cut away side interior perspective view of thecargo area of the delivery/cargo vehicle;

FIG. 39 is another partially cut away side interior perspective view ofthe cargo area of the delivery/cargo vehicle;

FIG. 40 is another partially cut away side interior perspective view ofthe cargo area of the delivery/cargo vehicle;

FIG. 41 is another partially cut away side interior perspective view ofthe cargo area of the delivery/cargo vehicle;

FIG. 42 is a rearward looking partially cut away perspective view of thecargo area;

FIG. 43 as an isolated perspective view of the extension section of thepivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 44 is an isolated perspective view of the pivoting conveyor sectionattached to the pivoting slideout assemblies;

FIG. 45 is a perspective underside view of the interior of the cargoarea showing the conveyor section along with the pivoting conveyorsection;

FIG. 46 is an end detail view of the extension section of the pivotingconveyor section;

FIG. 47 is a side detail view of the extension section and a side viewof the pivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 48 is another end detail view of the extension section and sideview of the pivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 49 is a side view of the pivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 50 is an underside detail perspective view of the pivoting conveyorsection;

FIG. 51 is a perspective isolated underside detail view of the extensionsection and pivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 52 is a perspective isolated detail view of the extension sectionand pivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 53 is an isolated perspective view of another illustrativeembodiment of a pivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 54 is an isolated perspective view of the pivoting conveyorsection;

FIG. 55 is a perspective underside view of the interior of the cargoarea showing the conveyor section;

FIG. 56 is an underside perspective detail view of a portion of thereinforced pivoting conveyor section;

FIG. 57 is an isolated detail view of the pivoting panel conveyorsection and the panel ramp;

FIG. 58 is a detail isolated perspective view of portions of thepivoting panel conveyor section and panel ramp;

FIG. 59 is an exploded view of the pivoting panel conveyor section;

FIG. 60 is a perspective detail view of portions of the conveyorassembly; and

FIG. 61 is a side detail view of the conveyor assembly.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplification set out hereinillustrates embodiments of the vehicle conveyor system assembly, andsuch exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of thevehicle conveyor system assembly in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures and descriptions provided herein may have been simplified toillustrate aspects that are relevant for a clear understanding of theherein described devices, systems, and methods, while eliminating, forthe purpose of clarity, other aspects that may be found in typicaldevices, systems, and methods. Those of ordinary skill may recognizethat other elements and/or operations may be desirable and/or necessaryto implement the devices, systems, and methods described herein. Becausesuch elements and operations are well known in the art, and because theydo not facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, adiscussion of such elements and operations may not be provided herein.However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all suchelements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects thatwould be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a conveyorassembly located in and supported by the cargo area of the vehicle. Theconveyor assembly may include a longitudinally extending surface made upof rollers or other bearing surfaces or mechanisms that assist in makingarticles such as packages that are set on the surface to easily movealong that surface through the cargo area and out of the vehicle underminimum manual effort or even automated force. In certain embodiments,the conveyor surface may be made of materials and structures that areknown to those skilled in the art of conveyor systems. This allows theparcels or other articles contained in the cargo area of the vehicle tobe set on a conveyor and moved out of same relatively quickly. It willbe appreciated by the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosure howsuch a system may save time and effort moving articles into or out ofthe cargo area of the vehicle.

In an illustrative embodiment, the conveyor assembly is both located andcontained in the cargo area of the vehicle. This means the conveyorassembly travels with the vehicle and can be used for any myriad ofpurposes and in locales that may not have its own conveyor system. Thismay expand the vehicle's usefulness. Furthermore, by having the conveyorassembly secured in the cargo area at all times means that other usesand efficiencies may exist.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides aconveyor assembly that is movably attached to and within the cargo areaof the vehicle. Here, the conveyor assembly may be movable betweenstowed and use positions inside the cargo area of the vehicle.Illustratively, at least portions of the conveyor assembly may bemovably attached to shelving or other like structures within the cargoarea. A portion of the conveyor assembly may be slidable underneath theshelves in the cargo area to a stowed position. This keeps the conveyorassembly out of the way when not needed. Conversely, portions of theconveyor assembly may be moved relative to the shelves to a useposition. In an embodiment, portions of the conveyor assembly may beattached to sliders that move the conveyors between stowed and usepositions similar to a cabinet drawer. Another portion of the conveyormay be movably attached within the cargo area such that it can bepositioned in a stowed position inside the vehicle and then moved to ause position that allows it to partially extend exterior of the cargoarea of the vehicle. In an embodiment, this portion of the conveyorassembly may be attached to both sliders and a pivot mechanism. Thesliders allow this portion of the conveyor assembly to align with theother portions of the conveyor assembly when in the use position and bepivoted along an axis illustratively perpendicular to the longitudinalextent of the conveyor assembly. This allows for this portion of theconveyor assembly to be both slid and pivoted between stowed and usepositions. The effect of all of this is an on-board conveyor assembly inthe cargo area of the vehicle that may be selectively used or stowedwithin the cargo area of the vehicle. In addition, a stowable ramp maybe used on the conveyor assembly to provide a surface between theconveyor assembly and some other structure exterior of the vehicle.

A front perspective view of vehicle 2, with conveyor assembly 4extending from the rear of cargo area 6, adjacent cab section 8 ofvehicle 2, is shown in FIG. 1. It is appreciated that vehicle 2 may be adelivery or cargo vehicle—either of which may be configured to receiveand transport parcels, uniforms, tools, parts, or any other articlesneeding transport. As shown herein, a portion of conveyor assembly 4 mayextend outside of vehicle 2 in order to assist moving those articleseither out of or into cargo area 6. The exterior of vehicle 2 means thatthis portion of conveyor assembly 4 may engage, link, abut, or bepositioned adjacent some other structure, such as additional conveyors,storage containers, other transport means, etc., to conduct thetransfer. It is appreciated with such an assembly being part of vehicle2, transfer between the vehicle and exterior thereof may be made moreefficient.

A rear perspective view of vehicle 2, showing conveyor assembly 4extending from rear 10 of cargo area 6, is shown in FIG. 2. This viewdepicts how conveyor assembly 4 extends from interior 12 of cargo area 6to exterior 14. This allows articles to be moved into and out of cargoarea 6. Conveyor assembly 4 extends through opening 16 at rear 10 ofcargo area 6. As shown, a conveyor section 18 is located within interior12 of cargo area 6. It is located adjacent to and aligned with pivotingconveyor section 20 that extends from interior 12 to exterior 14 ofcargo area 6. As shown, an illustrative support 22 engages both pivotingconveyor section 20 and rear tail section 24 in order to provide supportto pivoting conveyor section 20 when large or heavy articles are restingthereon. Also shown in this view is ramp 26 extending from pivotingconveyor section 20 at exterior 14 from cargo area 6. Illustratively,ramp 26 may be pivotable with respect to pivoting conveyor section 20 sothat conveyor assembly 4 may provide a surface to an exterior structurethat may be at a different height from that of conveyor assembly 4.Additionally, ramp 26 may be slid or otherwise moved on to pivotingconveyor section 20 (see, also, FIGS. 19 and 20) so conveyor assembly 4may be more easily stowed in limited space.

To that end, another rear perspective view of vehicle 2 is shown in FIG.3. This view depicts pivoting conveyor section 20 in the folded stowedposition within interior 12 of cargo area 6. As shown, pivoting conveyorsection 20 is illustratively folded upward from its original useposition (see, also, FIG. 2) and support 22 folded therein. Also, ramp26 may be moved onto pivoting conveyor section 20, as shown herein andin FIG. 20. It is appreciated from this view how pivoting conveyorsection 20 of conveyor assembly 4 may be moved and stowed on boardvehicle 2 in cargo area 6 in such a way as not to interfere with theoperation or use of cargo area 6. In addition, conveyor section 18, aswell as other conveyor sections, may be moved illustratively, underneathshelf panel 28 to a stowed position as well. Again, it is appreciatedthat by moving conveyor assembly 4 to a stowed position, it is out ofthe way so as to allow normal operation and use of cargo area 6. It isstill further appreciated that, when in its stowed position, conveyorassembly 4 is located within interior 12 of cargo area 6. As thisembodiment shows, even pivoting conveyor section 20, while in its stowedposition, does not extend to exterior 14 rear of vehicle 2. The skilledartisan upon reading the present disclosure will appreciate thatconveyor assembly 4 is illustratively shown oriented to move articles toand through rear 10, but can be configured as needed to extend in anydirection within interior 12 of cargo area 6. For example, an embodimentof conveyor assembly 4 may extend perpendicular to the length of cargoarea 6 and extend out through sidewall 30 of cargo area 6. It is forexplanatory purposes that conveyor assembly 4 is shown oriented to exitopening 16 at rear 10 of cargo area 6.

A rear, partially cut away, perspective view of the cargo area 6 portionof vehicle 2 is shown in FIG. 4. This view further illustrates howconveyor assembly 4 is fitted into interior 12 of cargo area 6. Asshown, shelf panels 28 and 32 are spaced apart on sidewall 34 of cargoarea 6. Such shelving is illustrative and typical for such cargo ordelivery vehicles. Parcels and other articles may be stacked on theseshelves for delivery and/or transport. Conveyor assembly 4 isillustratively positioned just under shelf panel 28, for example, sothat articles may be moved along illustrative pivoting conveyor section20, conveyor section 18, and conveyor section 36, as shown. Havingconveyor assembly 4 positioned within interior 12 allows articles to beeasily slid along conveyor assembly 4, either to place onto shelf panel28 or 32, or to be removed from shelf panels 28 or 32 and slid out ofcargo area 6.

In addition to the advantages of having conveyor assembly 4 located inproximity of shelf panels 28 or 32, conveyor assembly 4 may also includeslideout assemblies 38 (see, also, FIG. 5) and 40, as well as a pivotingslideout assembly 42. These slideout assemblies are configured tolaterally move conveyor sections 20, 18, 36 in either direction 44 or 46to stowed or use positions, respectively. In operation, slideoutassemblies 38, 40, and 42 slide respective conveyor sections 20, 18, 36similar to sliding cabinet drawers, into and out from, in this case,shelf panel 28. Sliding conveyor assembly 4 in direction 44 moves sameunderneath shelf panel 28 to a stowed position, out of the way ininterior 12 of cargo area 6. This stowed position means conveyorassembly 4 does not occupy significant space within cargo area 6, whichallows the area of that space to be used as normal. Conversely, conveyorassembly 4 may be pulled out in direction 46 to its use position asshown in FIG. 4, which allows articles to be moved along same indirections 48 and 50, so the articles may be either loaded onto orremoved from cargo area 6.

Pivoting conveyor section 20 further includes extension section 19,which is an illustrative non-pivoting conveyor section that is also inline with conveyor section 18. Extension section 19 is a short sectionof illustratively non-pivoting conveyors that may fill in the distancebetween the last sidewall gusset and the rear structure. As shown,pivoting conveyor section 20 is pivotable with respect to extensionsection 19 (see FIG. 5). Extension section 19, with pivoting conveyorsection 20, is movable in directions 44 and 46 via slideout assembly 41and pivoting slideout assembly 42. Illustrative support 22 is pivotallymounted on pivoting conveyor section 20 and selectively engages reartail section 24 in order to provide support to pivoting conveyor section20. In particular, support 22 holds end 21 of pivoting conveyor section20 upright to exterior 14 of cargo area 6. Ramp 26 extends from pivotingconveyor section 20 and also exterior 14 from cargo area 6.

Another similar rear, partially cut away, perspective view of interior12 of cargo area 6 is shown in FIG. 5. This view is the same as thatshown in FIG. 4, except conveyor assembly 4 is shown moved to its stowedposition. Illustratively, this stowed position includes moving conveyorsections 18, 36, and 52 in direction 44 underneath shelf panel 28 viaslideout assemblies 38, 40, and 41. This view also shows pivotingconveyor section 20 in its folded and retracted stowed position similarto conveyor sections 18, 36, 52. It is appreciated by this view howmoving pivoting conveyor section 20 in direction 54 to its stowedposition keeps same appreciably out of the way to allow normal operationwithin interior 12 of cargo area 6. Yet, having the ability to pivotdownward in direction 56 and slid in direction 46, pivoting conveyorsection 20 may join the other conveyor sections, as well as extendexterior 14 of cargo area 6. As further shown herein, pivoting conveyorsection 20 pivots on pivoting slideout assembly 42.

In addition, pivoting conveyor section 20 is shown pivoted adjacentextension section 19 to its stowed position. Support 22 is pivotallymounted on pivoting conveyor section 20 at a pivot point 23. This allowssupport 22 to be folded and stowed with pivoting conveyor section 20 asshown in FIG. 5. In contrast to FIG. 4, ramp 26 in FIG. 5 is shownretracted onto pivoting conveyor section 20 so, like support 22, ramp 26may be stowed away.

Partially cut away side interior perspective views of cargo area 6 areshown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9. These views demonstrate the progressionof moving conveyor assembly 4 from its stowed position to its useposition. The view in FIG. 6, for example, depicts conveyor assembly 4in its stowed position. Here, pivoting conveyor section 20 is pivotedupward in direction 54 and slid in direction 44 with the assistance ofpivoting slideout assemblies 41 and 42 to be positioned out of the waysimilar to that shown in FIG. 5. Likewise, conveyor sections 18, 36, and52 have also been moved in direction 44 to be positioned under shelfpanel 28. This also keeps these conveyor sections out of the way ininterior 12 of cargo area 6. It is appreciated that the less intrusiveconveyor assembly 4 can be, the more vehicle 2 may operate essentiallyas normal and carry substantially the same quantity of articles whilemaintaining this on board conveyor assembly. It is further appreciatedthat conveyor section 18 may be slid in directions 44 and 46 viaslideout assemblies 40 and 41. Conveyor section 36 may be moved indirections 44 and 46 via slideout assemblies 40 and 38. Conveyor section52 may be moved in directions 44 and 46 via slideout assemblies 38 and39. It is appreciated that these conveyor sections may be moved indirections 44 and 46 by being slid out in similar fashion to that of acabinet drawer. Each conveyor section may be slid out in direction 46like a drawer to expose the conveyor section and then pushed back indirection 44 to conceal the conveyor section in its stowed positionunder shelf panel 28. It is further appreciated that each of conveyorsections 18, 36, and 52 may be slid to stowed and use positionsindependently of each other. This allows an operator to move only thoseconveyor sections needed for a particular operation to be used. It alsomakes moving conveyor assembly 4, between stowed and use positions,easier. Rather than having to move an entire conveyor assembly at onetime, only sections of same are moved. This results in what may beperceived as a relatively long conveyor assembly to be lighter and lessunwieldy during transition between stowed and use positions. Ramp 26 isshown slid onto pivoting conveyor section 20 in a stowed position.

The view in FIG. 7 depicts the progression of moving conveyor assembly 4to its use position. As shown, pivoting conveyor section 20 has beenpivoted downward in direction 56, as well as slid in direction 46 toextend level and bridge between interior 12 of cargo area 6 and exterior14. Also shown in this view is conveyor section 18 moved in direction 46to its use position on slideout assemblies 41 and 40. It is appreciatedfrom this view how, in the use position, conveyor section 18 is exposedfrom under shelf panel 28. It is further appreciated, depending on theuse, that it is possible only conveyor section 18 and pivoting conveyorsection 20 are needed to be used. This demonstrates the flexibility ofconveyor assembly 4 and that all of the conveyor sections need not bemoved to their use positions all at one time. In this view, conveyorsections 36 and 52 are maintained in their stowed positions.

The view of FIG. 8 further demonstrates the progression of movingconveyor assembly 4 to its use position. As shown, conveyor section 18,extension section 19, and pivoting conveyor section 20 are alreadylocated in their use position as previously discussed with respect toFIG. 7. Here, in FIG. 8, however, conveyor section 36 is now also slidin direction 46 to its use position via slideout assemblies 40 and 38.The use position here means conveyor section 36 is longitudinallyaligned with conveyor section 18 and pivoting conveyor section 20 whileexposed from underneath shelf panel 28 as shown. And again, depending onthe particular use of interior 12 of cargo area 6, only conveyorsections 18 and 36 may be needed for use with pivoting conveyor section20. Optionally, circumstances may warrant that conveyor section 52remains in its stowed position.

If circumstances warrant that all conveyor sections are moved to theiruse position, as shown in FIG. 9, conveyor section 52 is likewise movedto its use position via slideout assemblies 38 and 39. As shown herein,while in its use position, conveyor section 52 is longitudinally alignedwith conveyor sections 36 and 18, as well as pivoting conveyor section20. Again, it is appreciated that any number of conveyor sections may beemployed based on the size, configuration, and use of interior 12 ofcargo area 6. The view shown herein is but one example of the size,shape, and configuration of interior 12 of cargo area 6. Cargo area 6,in other embodiments, may be longer or wider, have more or fewershelves, and possibly have different conveyor section arrangements, allof which are contemplated to be within the scope of this disclosure.

A rearward looking, partially cut away, perspective view of cargo area6, is shown in FIG. 10. This view is similar to that shown in FIG. 9depicting conveyor assembly 4 with all of its sections 18, 36, 52,extension section 19, and pivoting conveyor section 20 located in theiruse positions. Ramp 26 is also shown extending from the end of pivotingconveyor section 20 exterior 14 of cargo area 6. Illustratively, ramp 26may be angled relative to conveyor assembly 4, as shown, in order to belocated in proximity to another structure exterior 14 of cargo area 6.

An underside perspective view of a portion of conveyor assembly 4 isshown in FIG. 11. In particular, this view depicts conveyor sections 18,36, and 52. Conveyor section 36 is shown supported by slideoutassemblies 40 and 38. It is appreciated that the additional slideoutassemblies 39 and 41 (not shown in this view) are similarly structuredand operated as slideout assemblies 38 and 40 shown in this view.Illustratively, slideout assembly 38 comprises a slider support 60attached to sidewall 34 of cargo area 6. For further support, a shelfsupport bracket portion 62 of slider support 60 attaches to theunderside of shelf panel 28. Illustratively, fasteners or otherattachment means, such as soldering or adhesive, may be used to attachshelf support bracket portion 62 and wall support bracket portion 64 toshelf panel 28 and sidewall 34, respectively. As shown herein, providingfastening support for slider support 60 creates a sufficient anchor forthe other sliding structures. For example, a slider 66 is attached toone side of slider support 60 as shown. It is appreciated that slider66, as well as the other sliders, may be a telescoping slider mechanismhaving inner and outer slider portions that move with respect to eachother along a bearing or lubricated surface. In an embodiment, thesliders may be telescoping sliders of the type that employconventionally known mechanisms and may be used to support and movecabinet drawers such as kitchen cabinet drawers, but sized toaccommodate the weight of the intended articles stored in the vehicle. Aportion of slider 66 is attached to conveyor section bracket 68. It isfurther appreciated that conveyor section bracket 68 moves with respectto slider support 60. Conveyor section bracket 68 may also, as shown,attach to a conveyor section such as conveyor section 52 shown in FIG.11, to move same in directions 44 and 46 with respect to slider support60.

On the opposite side of slider 66 may be a second slider 70 alsoattached and movable relative to slider support 60. Second slider 70 isattached to another conveyor section bracket 72, this one attached toconveyor section 36. It is appreciated that slider support 60 may alsooperate as a spacer so it may hold both slider 66 on one side and secondslider 70 on the other side. Slider 66 is secured to conveyor section 52while second slider 70 located on the opposite side of slider support 60is secured to conveyor section 36. This means a single slider supportcan hold multiple sliders and each slider may be attached to separateconveyor sections. Each conveyor section may then be movable withrespect to the other. For example, slideout assembly 40 also includes aslider support 60 with a shelf support bracket portion 62 attached tothe underside of shelf panel 28 and a wall support bracket portion 64attached to sidewall 34. Like slideout assembly 38, slideout assembly 40also includes a slider 66 attached to conveyor section bracket 68. Thistime, however, conveyor section bracket 68 of slideout assembly 40 isattached to conveyor section 36 so that it may be movable in directions44 and 46 with respect to slider support 60. And like slideout assembly38, slideout assembly 40 includes a second slider 70 attached to theopposite side of slider support 60 from slider 66. Second slider 70 isattached to conveyor section 18 via conveyor section bracket 72. Thismeans that slider support 60 of slideout assembly 40 is attachable toboth conveyor sections 36 and 18 yet those conveyor sections 36 and 18are movable independently and with respect to each other. It is furtherappreciated that the other slideout assemblies 39 and 41 have the sameslideout structures as slideout assemblies 38 and 40. That said, it isappreciated that in some embodiments, such as with slideout assembly 39,that its slider support 60 may only include a second slider 70 attachedto conveyor section bracket 72 on one side of slider support 60 (see,also, FIG. 10). This is the case (see, also, FIG. 9) where a slidersupport 60 is to engage only one conveyor section on one side of slidersupport 60 rather than two conveyor sections, one on each side of slidersupport 60.

An exploded view of portions of slideout assemblies 38 and 40, alongwith conveyor section 36, is shown in FIG. 12. Specifically, secondslider 70, along with conveyor section bracket 72 from slideout assembly38, is shown along with slider 66 and conveyor section bracket 68 ofslideout assembly 40. These particular structures are shown becausethose are the slideout structures that move conveyor section 36. It isappreciated that corresponding structures that attach to the slideoutassemblies, as well as the others, are employed to independently movethe other conveyor sections as well. As shown herein, second slider 70includes a slider bracket 74 which is what attaches to slider support 60(see, also, FIG. 11). A first telescoping member 76 is slideably movablewith respect to slider bracket 74. Similarly, second telescoping member78 is fitted and movable with respect to first telescoping member 76.One skilled in the art will appreciate that this telescoping slider isof similar configuration to conventional cabinet drawer sliders, butpossibly larger and more robust to support the conveyor section. Alsoshown are fasteners 80, which are used to attach conveyor sectionbracket 72 to both second telescoping member 78 and conveyor section 36.Also shown in this view is slider 66, which may be the same as secondslider 70, but attached to the opposite side of slider support 60. Asshown herein, slider 66 also includes a slider bracket 74 with a firsttelescoping member 76, and a second telescoping member 78, and is thesame as that described with respect to second slider 70. Conveyorsection bracket 68, along with fasteners 80, are employed to attach sameto second telescoping member 78 and conveyor section 36.

An isolated perspective view of extension section 19 and pivotingconveyor section 20 is shown in FIG. 13. Extension section 19 andpivoting conveyor section 20 are attached to slideout assembly 41 andpivoting slideout assembly 42, as shown. It is appreciated that pivotingconveyor section 20 is movable linearly in both directions 44 and 46, aswell as pivotally in directions 54 and 56. This is so pivoting conveyorsection 20 may be both pivoted and slid between its stowed and usepositions, as depicted, for example, in FIGS. 6 and 7. With regard tothe sliding function, pivoting slideout assembly 42 is shown attached topivoting conveyor section 20. Pivoting slideout assembly 42 includesslider 66 attachable to pivot support bracket 25 and mount bracket 27(see FIG. 15). This causes pivoting conveyor section 20 to move indirections 44 and 46. Pivoting conveyor section 20 pivotally attaches topivot support bracket 25. Extension section 19 is also attached to pivotsupport bracket 25. With regard to pivoting conveyor section 20, pivotpins 126 are disposed through flanges 127 so pivoting conveyor section20 may pivot in directions 54 and 56 about axis 128 (see, also, FIGS. 6and 7). Slider 66 is attached to pivot support bracket 25, the same asthat described with respect to sliders 66 attached to conveyor sectionbracket 68, on slideout assemblies 38 and 40. As shown herein, slider 66includes a slider bracket 74, which is what attaches to mount bracket 27(see FIG. 17). First telescoping member 76 is slideably movable withrespect to slider bracket 74. Similarly, second telescoping member 78 isfitted and movable with respect to first telescoping member 76.

With respect to slideout assembly 41, it is also illustratively part ofpivot support bracket 25. As shown, second slider 70 includes sliderbracket 74, which is what attaches to slider support 60 (see, also, FIG.15). First telescoping member 76 is slideably movable with respect toslider bracket 74. Similarly, second telescoping member 78 is fitted inand movable with respect to first telescoping member 76. As shownherein, second telescoping member 78 is attached to pivot supportbracket 25 so that extension section 19 and pivoting conveyor section 20may be movable in directions 44 and 46.

Another isolated perspective view of pivoting conveyor section 20,attached to pivoting slideout assembly 42, is shown in FIG. 14. Thisview is essentially the reverse of the perspective view shown in FIG.13. FIG. 14, again, shows pivoting slideout assembly 42, includingslider 66 attachable to pivot support bracket 25, move pivoting conveyorsection 20 in directions 44 and 46. Slider 66 includes a slider bracket74, which is what attaches to mount bracket 27 (see FIG. 17). Firsttelescoping member 76 (not shown in this view, see FIGS. 11 and 12) isslideably movable with respect to slider bracket 74. Similarly, secondtelescoping member 78 is fitted in and movable with respect to firsttelescoping member 76. Likewise, slideout assembly 41, also part ofpivot support bracket 25, includes second slider 70 with slider bracket74, which is what attaches to slider support 60 (see, also, FIG. 11).First telescoping member 76 is slideably movable with respect to sliderbracket 74. Similarly, second telescoping member 78 is fitted andmovable with respect to first telescoping member 76.

Also shown in this view is ramp extender 31 extending from ramp 26.Illustratively, fasteners 35 may be disposed through a slot 33 in ramp26 to selectively allow ramp extender 31 to move to and from ramp 26.Ramp extender 31 provides additional length to ramp 26 as needed.Further shown are slotted rails 37 which illustratively line each sideof pivoting conveyor section 20. Ramp 26 may include roller bearings 186(see FIG. 16) located in slotted rails 37 on each side of pivotingconveyor section 20 to allow ramp 26 to move between retracted stowedand extended use positions.

A perspective underside view of interior 12 of cargo area 6, showingconveyor section 18, along with pivoting conveyor section 20, both intheir use position, is shown in FIG. 15. This view depicts conveyorsection 18 attached to conveyor section bracket 68, which is attached tosecond telescoping member 78 of slideout assembly 41. First telescopingmember 76 is slideably movable with respect to slider bracket 74. Secondtelescoping member 78 is slideably movable with respect to firsttelescoping member 76. Conveyor section bracket 68 moves conveyorsection 18 with respect to slider support 60. In addition, slidersupport 60 is attached to sidewall 34 via wall support bracket portion64. This view also shows shelf support bracket portion 62 attached toshelf panel 28 and sidewall 34.

Also part of slideout assembly 41 is second slider 70 composed of sliderbracket 74, first telescoping member 76, and second telescoping member78. First telescoping member 76 is slideably movable with respect toslider bracket 74 and second telescoping member 78 is slideably movablewith respect to first telescoping member 76. Second slider 70 isattached to pivot support bracket 25, which is attached to extensionsection 19. This allows extension section 19 to be movable in directions44 and 46 independent of conveyor section 18.

Pivot support bracket 25 is also part of pivoting slideout assembly 42shown pivotally attached to pivoting conveyor section 20. Pivot pin 126is disposed through flange 127 of pivot support bracket 25. Slider 66 isthe same as that described with respect to sliders 66 on slideoutassemblies 38 and 40. As shown herein, slider 66 includes a sliderbracket 74, which is what attaches to mount bracket 27 (see FIG. 17).First telescoping member 76 (not shown in this view, but see FIGS. 11and 12) is slideably movable with respect to slider bracket 74.Similarly, second telescoping member 78 is fitted in and movable withrespect to first telescoping member 76.

This view shows conveyor section 18 located in its extended useposition. Aligned with conveyor section 18 is pivoting conveyor section20. Pivoting slideout assembly 42 supports pivoting conveyor assembly 20such that it is aligned with conveyor section 18. This allows movementof articles in interior 12 of cargo area 6 to be moved along conveyorsection 18 and pivoting conveyor section 20 to exterior 14 of cargo area6.

An end detail view of extension section 19 and pivoting conveyor section20 is shown in FIG. 16. This view depicts second slider 70 with sliderbracket 74, first telescoping member 76, and second telescoping member78 attached to pivot support bracket 25. Particularly, secondtelescoping bracket 78 is attached to pivot support bracket 25 andmovable with respect to first telescoping member 76 in directions 44 and46. As part of extension section 19, C-brackets 177 are spaced apart andlocated between rollers 178. Fasteners 180 secure C-brackets 177 ontosupport bracket 25 as shown with rollers 178 suspended thereabove. It isappreciated that pivoting conveyor section 20 is also bounded byC-brackets 177 (see FIG. 17). In an illustrative embodiment, at least aportion of C-bracket 177, on pivoting conveyor section 20 is covered bybracket 182. Slotted rail 37 (see, also, FIG. 14) is attached to coverbracket 182 for providing the longitudinal track for ramp 26.Illustratively, a fastener 184 secures slotted rail 37 to cover bracket182 and C-bracket 177. It is appreciated that a plurality of fasteners184 may be employed to secure these structures on each side of pivotingconveyor section 20. In order to assist moving ramp 26 between stowedand use positions (compare FIGS. 21 and 22), a roller bearing 186 isfitted in each slotted rail 37 as illustratively shown. This allows ramp26 to be not only pivotable in directions 54 and 56 (see e.g., FIG. 6),but also in directions 48 and 50 (see e.g., FIG. 4) to move ramp 26between stowed and use positions. Pin 188 may be disposed in rollerbearing 186 and ramp 26 to both secure ramp 26 to bearing 186 while atthe same time providing a pivot point for ramp 26 with respect topivoting conveyor section 20. Particularly, when ramp 26 is moved indirection 48 (see, also, FIG. 4) to its use position, it may bepivotable in directions 54 and 56 as needed. Pin 188 provides this pivotpoint when ramp 26 is located in its use position. Flange 127 of pivotsupport bracket 25 is shown extending upward to receive pivot pin 126.This view also shows fastener 35, which is located in slot 33 (see FIG.14), to movably secure ramp extender 31 to ramp 26.

A detail view of extension section 19 and pivoting conveyor section 20,along with slideout assembly 41 and pivoting slideout assembly 42, isshown in FIG. 17. In this view, pivoting conveyor section 20 is loweredin direction 56 to its use position as shown in FIGS. 13-15. It isappreciated that with rollers 178 in alignment, parcels may be slidtherealong to exterior 14 of cargo area 6. This view further assistsdepicting how slider support 60 and shelf mount brackets 27 are securedto cargo area 6. With respect to slider support 60, it is attached tothe underside of shelf pin 28, illustratively, via fasteners 67 whilealso attached to sidewall 34 via wall support bracket portions 64. Alsoshown herein are sliders 66 and 70 which, as part of slideout assembly41, independently move conveyor section 18 and extension section 19independently of each other. With respect to pivoting slideout assembly42, its slider 66 is attached to mount bracket 27 as shown. Mountbracket 27 is mounted onto cargo area 6 via wall support bracket 190 andwall bracket 29 (see, also, FIGS. 7, 8, and 9). In addition tosupporting pivot support bracket 25 in cargo area 6, mount bracket 27also may serve as a stop to pivoting conveyor section 20 when in itsupright and stowed position (see, also, e.g., FIGS. 5 and 18). Thisassists in keeping pivoting conveyor section 20 upright while in itsstowed position. Also shown in this view are C-brackets 177 that arepart of both extension section 19 and pivoting conveyor section 20.Fasteners 180 are shown securing C-bracket 177 of extension section 19to pivot support bracket 25. Flange 127 of pivot support bracket 25 isalso shown extending upward to receive pivot pin 126.

Another detail view of extension section 19 and pivoting conveyorsection 20, similar to that shown in FIG. 17, is shown in FIG. 18. Thisview is different than that shown in FIG. 17 in that pivoting conveyorsection 20 has been pivoted upward in direction 54 to its stowedposition within interior 12 of cargo area 6. In this view, pivotingconveyor section 20 pivots about pin 126 on flange 127 of pivot supportbracket 25 to be positioned relatively perpendicular to extensionsection 19. This allows pivoting conveyor section 20 to be fitted withininterior 12 of cargo area 6. This view shows mount bracket 27 attachedto sidewall 34 via wall support bracket 192 similar to wall supportbracket 190 previously identified. This view also demonstrates how mountbracket 27 extending vertically and positioned adjacent pivotingconveyor section 20, when located in its stowed position, may serve as astop to prevent pivoting conveyor section 20 from inadvertently pivotingdownward in direction 56. Only when pivoting conveyor section 20 hasbeen moved laterally in direction 46 (see, also, FIGS. 6 and 7), therebyclearing mount bracket 27, can pivoting conveyor section 20 be moved indirection 56 to its use position (as shown in FIG. 7).

The side detail view of pivoting conveyor section 20, along withextension section 19 and conveyor section 18, are shown in FIG. 19. Thisview shows pivoting conveyor section 20 moved in direction 56 to its useposition. Additionally, this view shows how support 22 may be moved, aswell, and propped against rear tail section 24 to provide additionalsupport for pivoting conveyor section 20 while moving articles thereon.Support 22 allows pivoting conveyor section 20 to carry extra weightthat will not be borne solely at pivoting slideout assembly 42. It willbe appreciated by one skilled in the art upon reading this disclosurethat support 22 is illustrative and may be configured alternatively yetstill provide support to pivoting conveyor section 20. Additionally, itis appreciated that support 22 is pivotable or otherwise movable, so asto be located in a stowed position within interior 12 of cargo area 6similar to pivoting conveyor section 20. Alternatively, a support orother type of prop may be used to support pivoting conveyor section 20that is slid and/or selectively attached to same to achieve similarresults. This view also shows ramp 26, along with slot 33, whichreceives fasteners 35. In this illustrative embodiment, ramp extender 31is retracted into ramp 26 in contrast to that shown in FIG. 14. Further,ramp 26 is retracted along pivoting conveyor section 20 covering sameand thereby locating pin 188 adjacent pivot pin 126 as shown.

An underside detail perspective view of pivoting conveyor section 20,located in its use position, is shown in FIG. 20. This view depictssupport 22 attached to C-brackets 177 via pivot pin 194. Support 22 alsoengages rear tail section 24, illustratively, as shown. It isappreciated that the disclosed configuration of support 22 isillustrative and the present disclosure is not limited to the specificconfiguration shown herein. Also shown is pivot support bracket 25 thatconnects to both slideout assembly 41 and pivoting slideout assembly 42.It is further appreciated from this view how mount bracket 27 holdsslider 66 of pivoting slideout assembly 42, as well as how pivotingconveyor section 20, when moved in direction 46 to its use position,clears mount bracket 27 so that it may be pivoted downward in direction56 (see FIG. 19) to its use position. Further, this view demonstrateshow slider support 60 is attached to sidewall 34 of cargo area 6 viawall support bracket portions 64, as well as to shelf panel 28. Lastly,this view shows ramp 26, as well as ramp extender 31 located in theirretracted stowed positions.

A perspective underside detail view of extension section 19 and pivotingconveyor section 20, with pivot support bracket 25, is shown in FIG. 21.Although not demonstrably shown in interior 12 of cargo area 6, sliders66 and 70 are located in their fully retracted position. Also shown inthis view is ramp extender 31 retracted within ramp 26. Ramp 26 is alsoretracted on pivoting conveyor section 20 to its stowed position.

A perspective isolated detail view of extension section 19 and pivotingconveyor section 20 is shown in FIG. 22. This view is similar to thatshown in FIG. 14 including sliders 66 and 70 extended in direction 46 toa use position (in contrast to that shown in FIG. 21). However, thisview differs from that of FIG. 14 in that ramp 26 is partially slid backin direction 50 to its stowed position on pivoting conveyor section 20.In this view, ramp extender 31 is shown moved in direction 48 to itsextended use position. Here, with fasteners 35 both attached to rampextender 31 and located in slot 33, ramp extender 31 is able to move indirections 48 and 50 only to the extent of the length of slot 33.Fasteners 35 may be tightened in order to secure ramp extender 31 at aparticular position within ramp 26.

Another illustrative embodiment of pivoting conveyor section 20 mayinclude a latch mechanism configured to positively hold pivotingconveyor section 20 in an upright or essentially vertical stowedposition. This pivoting conveyor design omits extension section 19 fromthe prior embodiment.

An isolated perspective view of pivoting conveyor section 220, attachedto pivoting slideout assembly 242, is shown in FIG. 23. It isappreciated that pivoting conveyor section 220 is movable linearly inboth directions 44 and 46, as well as pivotally in directions 54 and 56.This is so pivoting conveyor section 220 may be both pivoted and slidbetween its stowed and use position. With regard to the sliding functionof this embodiment, pivoting slideout assembly 242 is shown attached topivoting conveyor section 220. Pivoting slideout assembly 242 includes aslider support 82 with a plurality of sliders 84, 86, and 88 (see, also,FIG. 24). In the illustrated embodiment, slider support 82 isillustratively longitudinally extending with a polygonal (e.g., square)cross-action. One of the plurality of sliders 84, 86, and 88 are eachplaced on one side surface 90, 92, and 94, respectively (see, also, FIG.24), of slider support 82.

The multiple sliders 84, 86, and 88 are positioned about slider support82 so pivoting conveyor section 220 may effectively slide along pivotingslideout assembly 242. It is further appreciated that sliders 84, 86,and 88 may be the telescoping sliders of the type previously discussedwith respect to slider 66 and second slider 70 that attach to the otherconveyor sections. Securement brackets 96 and 98, with fasteners 100illustratively shown, may attach to studs, sidewalls, end walls, orother structures that line the periphery of interior 12 of cargo area 6.The illustrative securement brackets 96 and 98, as shown, may beconfigured and dimensioned as needed to secure to cargo area 6, whileallowing pivoting conveyor section 220 to slide in directions 44 and 46,as well as pivoting directions 54 and 56. Securement brackets 96 and 98may have any variety of through holes or bores to assist in aligningslider support 82 to ensure pivoting conveyor section 220 can both pivotto the stowed position and be moved to create linear alignment with theother conveyor section, such as conveyor section 18. Also attached toside surface 90 of slider support 82 is an illustrative pin latchassembly 102. Such pin latch assembly 102 is positioned illustrativelyas shown in order to capture a pin, such as release pin 104 (see, also,FIG. 27) attached to pivoting conveyor section 220, to hold pivotingconveyor section 220 in an upright stowed position. When use is desired,pin latch assembly 102 may be activated to release pin 104, which allowspivoting conveyor section 220 to be slid in direction 46 to its useposition. When returning to its stowed position, pivoting conveyorsection 220 may be pivoted upward in direction 54, and then slidlinearly in direction 44. Release pin 104 may be positioned to alignwith opening 106 of pin latch assembly 102 and be secured thereto vialatch 108, also part of pin latch assembly 102.

Each of sliders 84, 86, and 88 includes a slider bracket 110, firsttelescoping member 112, and second telescoping member 114.Illustratively, second telescoping members 114 of sliders 84, 86, and 88attach to a slide support bracket 116. As further discussed herein, apivot member bracket 118 is also attached to slide support bracket 116.As shown in the illustrative embodiment, slide support bracket 116 isconvexly shaped with a top support panel 120 and depending side panels122 and 124. This configuration accommodates sliders 84, 86, and 88, aswell as the weight of pivoting conveyor section 220. In this embodiment,a pivot pin 126 is disposed through both pivoting conveyor section 220,as well as pivot member bracket 118. Pivot pin 126 forms an axis 128about which pivoting conveyor section 220 pivots in directions 54 or 56.As a consequence, when in its use position, pivoting conveyor section220 rests on and is supported by top support panel 120 of slide supportbracket 116. Also shown in this view is illustrative channel bracket 130that receives release pin 104, which is engageable with pin latchassembly 102. Bracket 132 is a stop that is used to prevent the conveyorfrom sliding inward when extended by dropping into the slot on thechannel bracket 130. Bracket 132 is attached to the side of the rearmostslideout assembly 41 (see, also, FIG. 6).

Another isolated perspective view of pivoting conveyor section 220attached to pivoting slideout assembly 242 is shown in FIG. 24. Thisview is essentially the reverse of the perspective view shown in FIG.23. This view in FIG. 24 shows slider 88 attached to side surface 94 ofslide support 82. This view also shows securement brackets 96 and 98,along with fasteners 100, used to secure pivoting slideout assembly 242onto a structure within cargo area 6 of vehicle 2. This view furtherdepicts how securement brackets 96 to 98 may be adjustable onto sidesurface 94 via various slots 134 and fasteners 135 so proper alignmentof pivoting conveyor section 220 can be made with respect to the otherconveyor sections. Slide support bracket 116 is shown with pivotingconveyor section 220 being supported by top support panel 120. Slidesupport bracket 116 is also shown secured to second telescoping member114 attached to each of sliders 84, 86, and 88. Channel bracket 130 withbracket 132 is further shown in this view, along with pivot pin 126disposed through pivoting conveyor section 220.

A perspective underside view of interior 12 of cargo area 6 showingconveyor section 18, along with pivoting conveyor section 220, both intheir use position, is shown in FIG. 25. This view depicts conveyorsection 18 attached to conveyor section bracket 68, which is attached tosecond telescoping member 78 of slideout assembly 41. This view alsoshows conveyor section 18 located in its extended use position. Alignedwith conveyor section 18 is pivoting conveyor section 220. Pivotingslideout assembly 242 supports pivoting conveyor section 220 such thatit is an alignment with conveyor section 18, which allows movement ofarticles in interior 12 of cargo area 6 to be moved along conveyorsection 18 and pivoting conveyor section 20 to exterior 14 of cargo area6. This view further shows side surface 95 depending from pivotingslideout assembly 242. Pin latch assembly 102 is shown attached to sidesurface 95. Illustratively, it is fastened thereto. In addition toopening 106 and latch 108 of pin latch assembly 102 shown herein, is alatch lever 136 configured to engage latch 108 to move same fordisengaging latch 108 with release pin 104 (see FIG. 27). This view alsoshows how pivoting slideout assembly 242 may be attached to a studmember 138 located on rear wall 140 within interior 12 of cargo area 6.It is appreciated that the structures on slide support 60 may bedimensioned and configured with slots and fasteners to secure same to avariety of structures within interior 12 of cargo area 6 so thatpivoting conveyor section 220 may slide in directions 44 and 46, as wellas pivot in directions 54 and 56 in order to effectively move pivotingconveyor section 220 between stowed and use positions. Slide supportbracket 116, with second telescoping members 78 attached thereto, isshown in its extended position and supporting pivoting conveyor section220 on top support panel 120. Also shown in this view is pivot memberbrackets 118 and 119, each of which receive a pivot pin 126 and anotherpivot pin (not shown) on the other side of pivoting conveyor section220. This allows pivoting conveyor section 220 to pivot with respect toslide support bracket 116.

A perspective exploded view of pivoting slideout assembly 242 is shownin FIG. 26. This view depicts the various structures that composeslideout assembly 242. Slider support 60 is shown composed of sidesurfaces 90, 92, 94, and 95. It can be appreciated from this view, howvarious slots and fasteners may be disposed through the structures toattach all of the components of pivoting slideout assembly 242 together.Also shown are sliders 84, 86, and 88. Illustratively, they are similarto sliders 66 and 70 as discussed with respect to the slideoutassemblies 38, 39, 40, and 41. Sliders 84, 86, and 88 are orientedaround sides 90, 92, and 94 of slider support 82 to provide a movablebearing mechanism for pivoting conveyor section 220. This view alsodepicts, with respect to sliders 84, 86, and 88, how they are composedof slider bracket 110, first telescoping member 112, and secondtelescoping member 114. Attached to each of the second telescopingmembers 114 is slide support bracket 116. This convex-shaped bracketillustratively includes separate panels 122, 120, and 124 eachconfigured to fasten onto one of the second telescoping members 114 viafasteners or other fastening-type structures. This means with sliderbracket 110 of each of sliders 84, 86, and 88 attached to slider support60, and slide support bracket 116 attached to second telescoping members114, slider support bracket 116 is movable in directions 44 and 46 withrespect to slider support 60. Also shown in this view are pivot memberbrackets 118 and 119. They are illustratively attached to depending sidepanel 122 via fasteners 142. Pivot member bracket 118 includes bore 144and pivot member bracket 119 includes bore 146. Each of bores 144 and146 are sized to receive a pivot pin such as pivot pin 126 (see, also,FIG. 13) that is also attached to pivoting conveyor section 220 to pivotin directions 54 and 56 with respect to slide support bracket 116. Thismovement, in combination with the linear sliding movement in directions44 and 46, allows pivoting conveyor section 220 to move between stowedand use positions.

The view in FIG. 26 also shows pin latch assembly 102 composed of a pinlatch bracket 148 and a pin latch mechanism 150. Pin latch bracket 148attaches to side surface 95 via fasteners 152. Pin latch mechanism 150is attached to pin latch bracket 148 via fasteners 154. Pin latchmechanism 150 includes latch 108 that aligns with opening 106 and pinlatch bracket 148. Latch lever 136 is attached to pin latch mechanism150 and acts on latch 108 to move same for purposes of releasing releasepin 104.

A side view of pivoting slideout assembly 242 attached to pivotingconveyor section 220 is shown in FIG. 27. In this view, rail bracket 158of pivoting conveyor section 220 is shown resting on top support panel120 of slider support bracket 116. This view further illustrates howsliders 84, 86, and 88 are attached to both slide support 60, as well asslide support bracket 116. Also shown in this view is release pin 104that is attached to channel bracket 130, which is attached to railbracket 158 (as well as rail bracket 156). Release pin 104 is positionedso that it will enter opening 106 of pin latch bracket 148 and engagelatch 108 of pin latch assembly 102. This occurs when pivoting conveyorsection 220 is located in its upright and stowed position. Also shown ispivot member bracket 118 with pivot pin 126 disposed through both railbracket 158 and disposed through bore 144 of pivot number bracket 118(see, also, FIG. 26). It is pivot pin 126, that pivoting conveyorsection will pivot on in directions 54 and 56 to move pivoting conveyorsection 220 between stowed and use positions. Further shown issecurement bracket 96, which is attached to side surface 94 of slidersupport 60 to secure to a structure in interior 12 of cargo area 6.

An isolated detail perspective view of pivoting conveyor section 220,with ramp 226 extending therefrom, is shown in FIG. 28. This viewfurther shows rail brackets 156 and 158 supporting illustrative rollers160, which make up the bearing conveyor surface for pivoting conveyorsection 220. Illustratively, the rollers are independently rotatablewith respect to each other to allow articles such as parcels to be slidalong same to move those parcels in and out of cargo area 6.Additionally, each of rail brackets 156 and 158 includes an interiortrack 162 and 164. As shown with respect to interior track 162, a block166 may fit therein. A tab 168 extends laterally from ramp 226 andpivotally fastens to block 166 via pivot fastener 170. A stop 172 fitsadjacent to the end of interior track 162, as shown, to limit the extentof travel of block 166 along interior track 162. It is appreciated thata block 167, tab 169, and pivot fastener 171 may be comparablecomponents on the other side of ramp 226 opposite rail bracket 156 asshown. In this configuration, ramp 226 has the ability to also pivot indirections 54 and 56 to allow ramp 226 to provide a bridge betweenpivoting conveyor section 220 and a surface exterior of cargo area 6.Ramp 226 has the flexibility to be pivoted at any variety of angles withrespect to pivoting conveyor section 220 to accomplish this positioning.It is also appreciated that ramp 226 is movable in directions 48 and 50along interior track 162 and 164 to establish its own use and stowedpositions with respect to pivoting conveyor section 220.

A perspective detail view of pivoting conveyor section 220 is shown inFIG. 29. This view depicts ramp 226 retracted in direction 50 so it doesnot extend from pivoting conveyor section 220. In this position, ramp226 is moved out of the way in its stowed position to allow pivotingconveyor section 220 to pivot in direction 54 towards its stowedposition. Gravity can maintain ramp 226 in its retracted stowed positionand moved in direction 50. Also shown in this view are stops 172 and173, and interior tracks 162 and 164, respectively. It is alsoappreciated that the sides of ramp 226 may be so shaped to enable it toslide underneath pivoting conveyor section 220 as illustratively shown.

A rearward looking partially cut away perspective view of cargo area 6is shown in FIG. 30. This view depicts conveyor assembly 4 with all ofits sections 18, 36, 52, and pivoting conveyor section 220 located intheir use positions. Ramp 226 is also shown extending from the end ofpivoting conveyor section 220 exterior 14 of cargo area. 6.

The perspective view in FIG. 31 depicts conveyor assembly 4 in itsstowed position. Here, pivoting conveyor section 220 is pivoted upwardin direction 54 and slid in direction 44 with the assistance of pivotingslideout assembly 242 to be positioned out of the way. Likewise,conveyor sections 18, 36, and 52 have also been moved in direction 44 tobe positioned under shelf panel 28. This also keeps these conveyorsections out of the way in interior 12 of cargo area 6. It isappreciated that the less intrusive conveyor assembly 4 can be the morevehicle 2 may operate essentially as normal and carry substantially thesame number of articles while maintaining this on board conveyorassembly.

A similar rear partially cut away perspective view of interior 12 ofcargo area 6 is shown in FIG. 32. In this view, pivoting conveyorsection 220 is shown moved to its stowed position. Illustratively, thisstowed position includes moving conveyor sections 18, 36, and 52 indirection 44 underneath shelf panel 28 via slideout assemblies 38, 39,40, and 41. It is appreciated by this view how moving pivoting conveyorsection 220 in direction 54 to its stowed position keeps sameappreciably out of the way to allow normal operation within interior 12of cargo area 6. Yet, having the ability to pivot downward in direction56 and slid in direction 46, pivoting conveyor section 220 may join theother conveyor sections, as well as extend exterior 14 of cargo area 6.As further shown herein, pivoting conveyor section 220 pivots onpivoting slideout assembly 242.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides aconveyor assembly that includes a reinforced pivoting conveyor section.Aspects of this illustrative embodiment include having a reinforcedslideout bracket assembly, pull down feature, roller panels, and otherfeatures as described herein. All of these features may be employedcollectively with or independently of the other conveyor assemblyembodiments disclosed herein.

A front perspective view of vehicle 2, with this illustrative embodimentof reinforced conveyor assembly 234 extending from the rear of cargoarea 6, adjacent cab section 8 of vehicle 2, is shown in FIG. 33. Likeconveyor assembly 4, a portion of reinforced conveyor assembly 234 mayextend outside of vehicle 2 in order to assist moving articles eitherout of or into cargo area 6. It is appreciated with such an assemblybeing part of vehicle 2, transfer between the vehicle and exteriorthereof may be made more efficiently.

A rear perspective view of vehicle 2, showing reinforced conveyorassembly 234 extending from rear 10 of cargo area 6, is shown in FIG.34. Like conveyor assembly 4, this view depicts reinforced conveyorassembly 234 extending from interior 12 of cargo area 6 to exterior 14.This allows articles to be moved into and out of cargo area 6.Reinforced conveyor assembly 234 extends through opening 16 at rear 10of cargo area 6. As shown, conveyor section 18 is located withininterior 12 of cargo area 6. It is located adjacent to and aligned withpivoting panel conveyor section 236 of reinforced pivoting conveyorsection 238 that extends from interior 12 to exterior 14 of cargo area6. As shown, an illustrative support 246 engages both pivoting panelconveyor section 236 and rear tail section 24 in order to providesupport to reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238. Also shown in thisview is panel ramp 248 extending from pivoting conveyor section 20 atexterior 14 from cargo area 6. Illustratively, ramp 26 may be pivotablewith respect to reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238. Additionally,panel ramp 248 may be slid or otherwise moved on to pivoting panelconveyor section 236 (see, also, FIGS. 49, 50, 51, and 52) so reinforcedconveyor assembly 234 may be more easily stowed in limited space.

To that end, another rear perspective view of vehicle 2 is shown in FIG.35. This view depicts reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 in thefolded stowed position within interior 12 of cargo area 6. As shown,reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 is illustratively folded upwardfrom its original use position. Also, panel ramp 248 may be moved ontopivoting panel conveyor section 236, as shown herein. It is appreciatedfrom this view how reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 may be movedand stowed on board vehicle 2 in cargo area 6 in such a way as not tointerfere with the operation or use of cargo area 6. Again, it isappreciated that by moving reinforced conveyor assembly 234 to a stowedposition, it is out of the way so as to allow normal operation and useof cargo area 6. It is still further appreciated that, when in itsstowed position, reinforced conveyor assembly 234 is located withininterior 12 of cargo area 6. As this embodiment shows, reinforcedpivoting conveyor section 238, while in its stowed position, does notextend to exterior 14 rear of vehicle 2. An embodiment of reinforcedpivoting conveyor section 238 may alternatively extend perpendicular tothe length of cargo area 6 and extend out from sidewall 30 of cargo area6. It is for explanatory purposes that reinforced conveyor assembly 234is shown oriented to exit opening 16 at rear 10 of cargo area 6.

A rear partially cut away perspective view of the cargo area 6 portionof vehicle 2 is shown in FIG. 36. This view further illustrates howreinforced conveyor assembly 234 is fitted into interior 12 of cargoarea 6. As shown, shelf panel 28 is spaced apart on sidewall 34 of cargoarea 6. Reinforced conveyor assembly 234 is illustratively positionedjust under shelf panel 28, for example, so that articles may be movedalong illustrative reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238, conveyorsection 18, and conveyor section 36, as shown. Having reinforcedconveyor assembly 234 positioned within interior 12 allows articles tobe easily slid along conveyor assembly 4 either to place onto or off ofshelf panel 28 and slid out of cargo area 6.

In addition to the advantages of having reinforced pivoting conveyorsection 238 located in proximity of shelf panel 28, reinforced pivotingconveyor section 238 also includes slideout assembly 250. This slideoutassembly 250 is configured to laterally move reinforced conveyorassembly 234 in directions 44 and 46 between stowed and use positions,respectively. Sliding reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 indirection 44 moves same underneath shelf panel 28 to a stowed positionout of the way in interior 12 of cargo area 6. This stowed positionmeans reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 does not occupysignificant space within cargo area 6, which allows the area of thatspace to be used as normal. Conversely, reinforced pivoting conveyorsection 238 may be pulled out in direction 46 to its use position asshown in FIG. 36, which allows articles to be moved along same indirections 48 and 50, so the articles may be either loaded onto orremoved from cargo area 6.

Reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 further includes extensionsection 252, which is an illustrative non-pivoting conveyor section(similar to section 19) that is also in line with conveyor section 18.Extension section 252 is a short section of illustratively non-pivotingconveyors that may fill in the distance between conveyor section 18 andpivoting panel conveyor section 236. As shown, reinforced pivotingconveyor section 238 is pivotable with respect to extension section 252.Extension section 252, with pivoting panel conveyor section 236, ismovable in directions 44 and 46 via slideout assembly 250. Support 246is pivotally mounted on pivoting panel conveyor section 236 andselectively engages rear tail section 24 in order to provide support toreinforced pivoting conveyor section 238. Like the prior embodiment,support 246 holds end 254 of pivoting panel conveyor section 236 uprightto exterior 14 of cargo area 6. Panel ramp 248 extends from pivotingpanel conveyor section 236 also exterior 14 from cargo area 6.

Illustratively part of reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 ofreinforced conveyor assembly 234 is support leg assembly 256. In orderto support reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238, support legassembly 256, as illustratively shown, supports slideout assembly 250and engages flooring 258. Illustratively a wheel or caster 260, or otherbearing member or surface, may be coupled to a rod 262 of support legassembly 256. In this configuration, the slideout assembly for thesupporting reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 may move laterallyin directions 44 and 46 with support leg assembly 256 supporting thestructure during this movement. By supporting reinforced pivotingconveyor section 238 in this way, there is also a decreased likelihoodof sagging or wear on these structures when supporting parcels outsideof delivery vehicle 2.

Support leg assembly 256 is shown herein moved in direction 44 from theuse position, shown in FIG. 36, to support reinforced pivoting conveyorsection 238 while in its stowed position, as shown. It will beappreciated by the skilled artisan upon reading the present disclosurethat, as reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 is moved in eitherdirection 44 or 46, caster 260 attached to rod 262 maintains support andstability.

Another similar rear partially cut away perspective view of interior 12of cargo area 6 is shown in FIG. 37. This view is the same as that shownin FIG. 36, except reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 ofreinforced conveyor assembly 234 is shown moved to its stowed position.This view shows reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 in its foldedand retracted stowed position similar to conveyor sections 18 and 36. Itis appreciated by this view how moving reinforced pivoting conveyorsection 238 in direction 54 to its stowed position keeps sameappreciably out of the way to allow normal operation within interior 12of cargo area 6. Yet, having the ability to pivot downward in direction56 and slid in direction 46, reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238may join the other conveyor sections, as well as extend exterior 14 ofcargo area 6.

In addition, reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 is shown pivotedadjacent extension section 252 to its stowed position. Pivoting panelconveyor section 236 is pivotally mounted at a pivot point 264. Thisallows pivoting panel conveyor section 236 to be folded and stowed. Incontrast to FIG. 36, Panel ramp 248 in FIG. 37 is shown retracted ontopivoting panel conveyor section 236 to stow panel ramp 248 away.

Partially cut away side interior perspective views of cargo area 6 areshown in FIGS. 38, 39, 40, and 41. These views demonstrate theprogression of moving reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 from itsstowed position to its use position. The view in FIG. 38, for example,depicts reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 in its stowed position.Here, pivoting panel conveyor section 236 is pivoted upward in direction54 and slid in direction 44 with the assistance of slideout assembly 250to be positioned out of the way similar to that shown in FIG. 37.Likewise, conveyor sections 18, 36, and 52 have also been moved indirection 44 to be positioned under shelf panel 28. Like conveyorassembly 4, it is appreciated that reinforced conveyor assembly 234 isless intrusive, which means vehicle 2 may operate essentially as normaland carry substantially the same quantity of articles while maintainingthis on board conveyor assembly. It is further appreciated that theseconveyor sections may be moved in directions 44 and 46 by being slid outin similar fashion to that of the other embodiments. This allows anoperator to move only those conveyor sections needed for a particularoperation to be used. It also makes moving reinforced pivoting conveyorsection 238 between stowed and use positions easier. Ramp 248 is shownslid onto pivoting panel conveyor section 236 to a stowed position.

The view in FIG. 39 depicts the progression of moving reinforcedconveyor assembly 234 to its use position. As shown, reinforced pivotingconveyor section 238 has been pivoted downward in direction 56, as wellas slid in direction 46 to extend level and bridge between interior 12of cargo area 6 and exterior 14. Also shown in this view is reinforcedpivoting conveyor section 238 moved in direction 46 to its use positionon slideout assembly 250. It is further appreciated from this view howsupport leg assembly 256 rolls along flooring 258 supporting slideoutassembly 250 and, thus, reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238. Theview in FIG. 39 also depicts conveyor sections 36 and 52 maintained intheir stowed positions.

The view in FIG. 40 further demonstrates the progression of movingconveyor assembly 4 to its use position. As shown, conveyor section 18,extension section 252, and pivoting panel conveyor section 236 arealready located in their use position as previously discussed withrespect to FIG. 39. Here, in FIG. 40, however, conveyor section 36 isnow also slid in direction 46 to its use position (similar to that shownin FIG. 8). The use position here means conveyor section 36 islongitudinally aligned with conveyor section 18 and pivoting panelconveyor section 236, while exposed from underneath shelf panel 28 asshown.

Illustratively, all conveyor sections may be moved to their useposition, as shown in FIG. 41. Here, conveyor section 52 is moved to itsuse position longitudinally aligned with conveyor sections 36 and 18, aswell as pivoting panel conveyor section 236. Again, it is appreciatedthat any number of conveyor sections may be employed based on the size,configuration, and use of interior 12 of cargo area 6.

A rearward looking, partially cut away, perspective view of cargo area6, is shown in FIG. 42. This view is similar to that shown in FIG. 41depicting reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 with all of itssections 18, 36, 52, extension section 252, and pivoting panel conveyorsection 236 located in their use positions. Ramp 248 is also shownextending from the end of pivoting panel conveyor section 236 exterior14 of cargo area 6. Illustratively, ramp 248 may be angled relative topivoting panel conveyor section 236 as shown, in order to be located inproximity to another structure exterior 14 of cargo area 6.

This view also shows caster 260 engaging flooring 258 of cargo area 6and supporting rod 262 of support leg assembly 256 for supportingslideout assembly 250 which supports pivoting panel conveyor section 236and extension section 252. Also shown is support 246 engaging theunderside of reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 and rear tailsection 24 of cargo area 6.

An isolated perspective view of extension section 252 and pivoting panelconveyor section 236 of reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 isshown in FIG. 43. Illustratively, extension section 252 and pivotingconveyor section 236 are attached to slideout assembly 250. It isappreciated that slideout assembly 250 moves pivoting panel conveyorsection 236 linearly in both directions 44 and 46. Pivoting panelconveyor section 236 is also pivotable in directions 54 and 56. This isso pivoting panel conveyor section 236 may be both pivoted and slidbetween its stowed and use positions, as depicted, for example, in FIGS.38 and 39. With regard to the sliding function, slideout assembly 250includes sliders 66 and 70, like the prior embodiments, attachable tosupport bracket 266. This causes pivoting conveyor section 20 to move indirections 44 and 46.

Support bracket 266 is illustratively a longitudinally extending boxstructure having opposing sidewalls 268 and 270 connected together bytop panel 272 and base panel 274. Extension section 252 may be attachedto top panel 272 of support bracket 266. Likewise, second telescopingmember 78, of each of sliders 66 and 70, may be fastened to sidewalls268 and 270, respectively, in similar fashion to that described withrespect to sliders 66 and 70 attached to prior embodiments. Supportbracket 266 may be made from a material such as metal that can supportthe weight of the conveyor structures, as well as any parcels ormaterials to be intended to be placed on top. Support bracket 266 may bemade of a single formed bracket or may be made from multiple components.As illustratively shown herein, base panel 274 is a separate structurefastened onto flanges 276 and 278 both longitudinally extending alongthe length of support bracket 266, as well as extending from sidewalls268 and 270, respectively. Additionally, support bracket 266 may be madeof more or fewer panel faces or structures than shown in thisillustrative embodiment based on the needs for the particular cargoarea. For example, an embodiment may only employ top and side panels.One or more side panels may be employed as well, or in the alternative.

With regard to the pivoting function of pivoting panel conveyor section236, pivot brackets 280 and 282 may be fastened to top panel 272 ofsupport bracket 266. Pivot brackets 280 and 282 are also sized toreceive corresponding pivot pins 284 and 286, respectively, that arealso disposed through sidewalls 288 and 290 of pivoting panel conveyorsection 236 to allow same to pivot in directions 54 and 56 about axis292. As such, support bracket 266 supports both the lateral movement anddirections for 44 and 46, as well as the pivoting movement in directions54 and 56 of reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238.

Another isolated perspective view of reinforced pivoting conveyorsection 238 attached to slideout assembly 250, is shown in FIG. 44. Thisview shows slideout assembly 250, including sliders 66 and 70 attachableto pivot support bracket 266, to move pivoting panel conveyor section236 in directions 44 and 46. Also shown in this view is ramp extender294 extending from ramp 248. Illustratively, pins 296 may be disposedthrough a slot 298 in ramp 248 to selectively allow ramp extender 294 tomove to and from ramp 428. Ramp extender 294 provides additional lengthto ramp 248 as needed. Further shown are slotted rail 302 disposed insidewall 288 of pivoting panel conveyor section 236. Ramp 248 mayinclude rollers 304 (see FIG. 46) located in a slotted rail 302 on eachside of pivoting panel conveyor section 236 to allow ramp 248 to movebetween retracted, stowed, and extended use positions.

A perspective underside view of interior 12 of cargo area 6 showingconveyor section 18, along with reinforced pivoting conveyor section238, both located in their use position, is shown in FIG. 45. This viewdepicts conveyor section 18 attached to conveyor section bracket 68,which is attached to second telescoping member 78 of slideout assembly41. Conveyor section bracket 68 moves conveyor section 18 with respectto slider support 60. In addition, slider support 60 is attached tosidewall 34 via wall support bracket portion 64. This view also showsshelf support bracket portion 62 attached to shelf panel 28 and sidewall34.

This view further shows slider 66 attached to support bracket 306 whichis attached to wall 34 and slider 70 attached to slider support 60. Bythis attachment, slideout assembly 250 may be moved in directions 44 and46 with respect to cargo area 6 between stowed and use positions. Alsoshown is rod 262 of support leg assembly 256 attached to the undersideof base panel 274 of support bracket 266. Extension section 252 is shownattached to top panel 272 of support bracket 266, as well. A support 246is illustratively shown composed of legs 308 and 310 that each fasten toone of a bracket 312 and 314 located on the underside of pivoting panelconveyor section 236. Illustratively, legs 308 and 310 are pivotallyattached to brackets 312 and 314, respectively, so support 246 may pivotin directions 54 and 56 between use and stowed positions as pivotingpanel conveyor section 236 moves between its use and stowed positions.Also shown are piston assemblies 316 and 318 each attached to theunderside of pivoting panel conveyor section 236. Piston assemblies 316and 318 are illustratively securing and control drop mechanisms that mayassist in keeping pivoting panel conveyor section 236 placed in anupright stowed position and/or resist the force of gravity on pivotingpanel conveyor section 236 as it is lowering to its use position. Thishelps slow and control the drop on support bracket 266 as opposed to afast impact drop. Lastly, shown in this view is pivot pin 284 attachedto pivot bracket 280 providing the pivot point 264 about which pivotingpanel conveyor section 236 rotates in directions 54 or 56. As such,conveyor section 18 located in its extended use position is aligned withextension section 252 and pivoting panel conveyor section 236 to providea level support upon which parcels or other materials are placed andmoved to and from cargo area 6.

An end detail view of reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 and sideview of slideout assembly 250 is shown in FIG. 46. This view depictsfirst slider 66 with slider bracket 74, first telescoping member 76, andsecond telescoping member 78 attached to sidewall 268 of support bracket266. Also shown are panel ramp 248, pivoting panel conveyor section 236,and ramp extender 294. As depicted in this view, panel ramp 248 includesrollers 304 attached to pin 320. It is appreciated that a roller 304 maybe positioned on each side 322 and 324 of panel ramp 248 asillustratively shown herein. Each of rollers 304 may be engageable witha track 326 formed on each of sidewalls 288 and 290 of pivoting panelconveyor section 236. Illustratively, tracks 326 may each be an inwardlyturned J-channel that has a longitudinal extent on pivoting panelconveyor section 236. Rollers 304 may travel along tracks 326 to movepanel ramp 248 with respect to pivoting panel conveyor section 236between use and stowed positions (see, FIGS. 38 and 44). Pin 320 may bepositioned within slot rail 302 of pivoting panel conveyor section 236as shown in FIG. 44. This assists guiding panel ramp 248 when movingbetween extended and retracted positions. With respect to ramp extender294, pins 296 (see, also, FIG. 44) extend through slot 298 and panelramp 248 to recess or extend ramp extender 294. On the end thereof is abracket 328 sized to receive one or more magnets 330. In an illustrativeembodiment, having one or more magnets on ramp extender 294 allowsmagnetic securement between it and a surface that is exterior 14 ofdelivery vehicle 2. Such surface (not shown), may be a ramp from anotherdelivery vehicle 2, which allows transfer of parcels or other materialsbetween delivery vehicle 2, or may be a conveyor surface at a deliverylocation. Having this temporary and selective securement betweenreinforced conveyor assembly 234 and an exterior structure makes parceltransfer between truck to truck or truck to exterior conveyor moreconvenient for the operator.

Also shown in FIG. 46 are piston assemblies 316 and 318. Brackets 331and 332 are fastened to sidewall 268 of support bracket 266. Pistonassembly 316 is illustratively pivotably attached to bracket 331 viafastener 334, whereas piston assembly 318 is attached to bracket 332 viafastener 335, as illustratively shown. Piston assembly 316 is alsoattached to the underside of pivoting panel conveyor section 236,illustratively, via bracket 336 and fastener 338. Likewise, pistonassembly 318 is attached to the underside of pivoting panel conveyorsection 236 via bracket 340 and fastener 342. Piston assemblies 316 and318 provide a resistance force against the force of gravity whenreinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 is lowered in direction 56 toits use position (see FIG. 45). An illustrative objective is to preventpivoting panel conveyor section 236 from slamming onto support bracket266 at pivot point 264 (see, also, FIG. 45) when lowering to the useposition. The effect is to reduce the potential for personnel injuryand/or damage to reinforced conveyor assembly 234. Piston assemblies 316and 318 counteract the weight of reinforced pivoting conveyor section238 lowering same slowly in direction 56. It is appreciated that othermechanisms, including a mechanized system using gears and/or motors, forexample, or other biased structures that can counteract the force ofgravity by the weight of reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 tolower same in a controlled manner.

A detail side view of support bracket 266 and extension section 252 isshown in FIG. 47. This view further shows slider 66 attached to sidewall268 of support bracket 266. Also shown is bracket 331 with pistonassembly 316 attached thereto via fastener 334. Pivot bracket 280 isshown fastened to top panel 272 and pivot pin 284 disposed through pivotbracket 280, securing pivoting panel conveyor section 236 thereto.Second slider 70 is shown secured to both sidewall 270 of supportbracket 266, as well as slider support 60. Base panel 274 is also shownsecured to support bracket 266 and attached to rod 262 of support legassembly 256.

Another side view of reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238, similarto that shown in FIG. 47, is shown in FIG. 48. A distinction betweenthese views, however, is that pivoting panel conveyor section 236 hasbeen pivoted upward in direction 54 to its stowed position on pivot pin284. To that end, piston assembly 316 (as well as piston assembly 318)pivots on fastener 334. The piston assemblies in some embodiments mayassist in holding pivoting panel conveyor section 236 in its uprightstowed position as shown in this view to prevent same fromunintentionally dropping in direction 56.

Another side detail view of reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 isshown in FIG. 49. This view is similar to that shown in FIG. 47, exceptthat more of reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 is visible.Particularly, this view shows support 246 engaged with rear tail section24 to support pivoting panel conveyor section 236. Also shown is supportleg assembly 256 engaged with flooring 258 inside cargo area 6. It isappreciated from this view that the engagement between support 246, reartail section 24, support leg assembly 256, and flooring 258 provideadditional support to carry the weight of both the structure ofreinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 and any parcels located thereon.

An underside detail perspective view of reinforced pivoting conveyorsection 238 located in its use position, is shown in FIG. 50. This viewdepicts extension section 252 attached to support bracket 266 aspreviously discussed. Pivoting panel conveyor section 236 is shown withpanel ramp 248 slid back thereon. Ramp extender 294 is shown retractedunder panel ramp 248 to its stowed position, as well. Legs 308 and 310of support 246 are shown attached to brackets 312 and 314. It isappreciated that legs 308 and 310 are pivotally connected so that whenpivoting panel conveyor section 236 is pivoted upward in direction 54 toits stowed position, support 246 will pivot and fall to position itselfwithin cavity 344 formed in the underside of pivoting panel conveyorsection 236 to a stowed position. This may be done by employing gravity.Further, support 246 engages rear tail section 24 to provide support toreinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 while in its use position asshown. This view also provides another perspective of slider 66 attachedto sidewall 268 of support bracket 266 in its extended use position, aswell as being attached to support bracket 306. Also attached to sidewall268 are brackets 331 and 332, which attach to piston assemblies 316 and318, respectively. This view also further shows, in particular, pistonassembly 318 pivotally attached to bracket 340 fastened to the undersideof pivoting panel conveyor section 236.

Various isolated perspective views of reinforced pivoting conveyorsection 238 is shown in FIGS. 51, 52, 53, and 54. The perspectiveunderside view of reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 shown in FIG.51 is similar to that shown in FIG. 50. This view shows reinforcedpivoting conveyor section 238 located in its use position, but withpanel ramp 248 and ramp extender 294 in their retracted position onpivoting panel conveyor section 236. Also shown are sliders 66 and 70attached to support bracket 266, as previously discussed. In this view,support 246 has been removed for demonstrative purposes. Also shown inthis view is bracket 328 that receives illustrative magnets 330.

The top isolated perspective views of reinforced pivoting conveyorsection 238 is shown in FIGS. 52, 53, and 54. These views differ in thatreinforced pivoting conveyor section 238, shown in FIG. 52, has panelramp 248 and panel ramp extender 294 retracted onto pivoting panelconveyor section 236. It is appreciated that in this use position,reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 can be used to transferpackages exterior of cargo area 6 in instances where a ramp and/or aramp extender are not necessarily needed. In addition, retracting panelramp 248 and ramp extender 294 as shown, makes reinforced pivotingconveyor section 238 more compact when it is to be pivoted upward to itsstowed position as previously discussed. This means reinforced pivotingconveyor section 238 will occupy less room while located in cargo area 6of vehicle 2. In FIG. 53 panel ramp 248 is retracted onto pivoting panelconveyor section 236 similar to that shown in FIG. 52.

The perspective view in FIG. 54 shows panel ramp 248 and ramp extender294 fully extended from pivoting panel conveyor section 236. In thisposition, panel ramp 248 and ramp extender 294 add further length toreinforced conveyor assembly 234, as well as being able to pivot furtherdownward to engage surfaces on a plane that is different than that ofpivoting panel conveyor section 236 when lowered to its use position.These views also show sliders 66 and 70 extended to position reinforcedpivoting conveyor section 238 to its use position.

Underside perspective detail views of a portion of reinforced pivotingconveyor section 238 are shown in FIGS. 55 and 56. The distinctionbetween the two views is that pivoting panel conveyor section 236 islocated in its lowered use position in FIG. 55, whereas it is pivotedupward in direction 54 to its upright stowed position as shown in FIG.56. When moving pivoting panel conveyor section 236 in direction 54upward to its stowed position, piston assemblies 316 and 318 extend aswell. Both piston assemblies 316 and 318 assist the pivoting panelconveyor section 236 upward and slow the dissent of same when lowered.In an illustrative embodiment, piston assembly 316 may include a lockingfeature. Piston assembly 316 locks when located in the upright stowedposition in order to secure the pivoting panel conveyor section 326 inits stowed position. In order to unlock piston assembly 316, theoperator pulls outward on the lock or plunger which releases pistonassembly 316 and frees pivoting panel conveyor section 326 to lower.Support bracket 266 is shown extended in its use position in FIG. 55 andthen retracted to its stowed position in FIG. 56. This is furtherevident by slider 66 shown extended in FIG. 55, but then retracted inFIG. 56.

An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides that panelramp 248 may extend from, thereby increasing the length of, pivotingpanel conveyor section 236, pivot in direction 56 with respect topivoting panel conveyor section 236 to lower the reach of reinforcedconveyor assembly 234, and retract over pivoting panel conveyor section236 to reduce the footprint of reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238so it can be moved to a stowed position. These functions areaccomplished by panel ramp 248 being slidable and pivotable with respectto pivoting panel conveyor section 236.

As shown in FIGS. 57, 58, and 59, sidewall 288 (as well as sidewall 290on the other side) of pivoting panel conveyor section 236 includes slotrail 302. These slot rails are located on both sides of pivoting panelconveyor section 236. As shown herein, each of slot rails 302 include alinear portion 350 and an angled portion 352 in communication withlinear portion 350. Linear portion 350 essentially runs along thelongitudinal extent of pivoting panel conveyor section 236. This allowspanel ramp 248 to extend and retract with respect to pivoting panelconveyor section 236 between use and stowed positions. In particular, itprovides the telescoping nesting effect such as that shown in FIGS. 46and 50 for example. The effect of this is that panel ramp 248 may beused as an extender for pivoting panel conveyor section 236 to extendits reach. Also, panel ramp 248 may be retracted over (in alternateembodiments—under) permitting pivoting panel conveyor section 236 toreduce the footprint of reinforced pivoting conveyor section 238 so itmay be moved and pivoted more easily to its stowed possession. To createthis movement, roller 304 is located on each side of panel ramp 248 (seeFIGS. 45 and 46) to engage tracks 326 as previously discussed withrespect to FIG. 46. Rollers 304 also keep pivoting panel conveyorsection 236 separated from panel ramp 248 sufficient that each of theirrespective conveyor pins do not engage each other. In order to allowpanel ramp 248 to pivot with respect to pivoting panel conveyor section236, angled portion 352 of slot rail 302 provides a space to accommodatepin 320 (see FIG. 46). This allows panel ramp 248 to pivot in directions54 and 56 with respect to pivoting panel conveyor section 236.

Another aspect of reinforced conveyor assembly 234 is the conveyorroller assemblies that assist in making it easier to move parcels orother materials along extension section 252, pivoting panel conveyorsection 236 and panel ramp 248. In an illustrative embodiment, conveyorroller assemblies 356 are shown in several of the views, including FIG.44, to be located on extension section 252, pivoting panel conveyorsection 236, and panel ramp 248. It is appreciated that conveyor rollerassemblies 356 may be located on any of the other surfaces in cargo area6 of vehicle 2.

A partially exploded view of pivoting panel conveyor section 326 isshown in FIG. 59. In an illustrative embodiment, conveyor rollerassemblies 356 may include one or more pin rollers 358, bounded by axles360, located on each side thereof. These pin rollers 358 are bounded bypin brackets 362, one of which is located on each side of pin rollers358. As shown herein, each of pin brackets 362 includes a plurality ofspaced apart openings 364 which are regularly spaced along thelongitudinal extent of each of pin brackets 362. Each of openings 364are sized to receive an axle 360 extending from pin roller 358 toprovide support for each of pin rollers 358 and allow same to rotatetherewith. Illustratively, fasteners 366 may be disposed throughpivoting panel conveyor section 236 to secure each of roll pin rollers358 to the underside of pivoting panel conveyor section 236 and slots368 may be disposed through top surface 370 of pivoting panel conveyorsection 236. Slots 368 may be regularly spaced coinciding with thepositioning of pin rollers 358 rotatably coupled to pin brackets 362.The net effect is that a portion of each of pin rollers 358 extend abovetop surface 370 of pivoting panel conveyor section 236 to provide aplurality of rolling bearing surfaces for parcels or other materialsthat are set on top of pivoting panel conveyor section 236. This sameconfiguration including pin rollers 358, pin brackets 362, and slots368, in addition to the other corresponding structures, may be employedon extension section 252 and panel ramp 248 as shown in several of theviews including FIG. 44.

Perspective detail views of reinforced conveyor assembly 234 are shownin FIGS. 60 and 61. These views particularly show support leg assembly256 attached to base panel 274 of support bracket 266. These viewsfurther demonstrate how castor 260, attached to rod 262, rolls alongflooring 258 to provide support to reinforced conveyor assembly 234 whenextending and retracting between use and stowed position in directions44 and 46.

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown inspecific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should beappreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not berequired. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged ina different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures.Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in aparticular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required inall embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may becombined with other features. It should also be appreciated that, to theextent any subject matter disclosed in this non-provisional PatentApplication differs from the priority Application, the disclosure fromthis non-provisional Patent Application controls.

What is claimed:
 1. A conveyor assembly for use with a vehicle having acargo area and a cab area, comprises: a conveyor assembly sectionmovable with respect to the cargo area of the vehicle, wherein theconveyor assembly section comprises: a plurality of conveyor shelfpanels that are independently movable with respect to each other and atleast a portion of which include a support surface; a plurality ofroller bearing assemblies associated with the support surface; a framesupporting one or more roller bearings of the plurality of rollerbearing assemblies; at least one first slideout assembly supported bythe frame, wherein the at least one first slideout assembly includes atleast one movable bar that is movable with respect to the cargo areabetween a first use position and a first stowed position; a pivotableconveyor assembly section comprises: a bracket having at least a topsurface and side surface; a pivotable conveyor panel supported by thetop surface of the bracket; at least one second slideout assemblyattached to the side surface of the bracket, wherein the at least onesecond slideout assembly includes at least one movable bar that ismovable with respect to the cargo area between the first use positionand the first stowed position; a bearing member attached to a rod whichis attached to the bracket, wherein the bearing member is movable alonga floor of the cargo area, and wherein the bearing member and rodsupport the bracket; a ramp that is pivotally attached, and linearlyslidable, relative to the pivotable conveyor panel; at least one pistonassembly attached to the pivotable conveyor panel at a first end and thebracket at a second end, wherein the at least one piston assembly limitsa velocity at which the pivotable conveyor panel moves to the second useposition; a support member that includes at least one extension bar thatis pivotally attached to the pivotable conveyor panel and is selectivelyengageable with a portion of the cargo area to support the pivotableconveyor panel when located in the second use position; wherein at leastone of the plurality of conveyor shelf panels is movable adjacent to thepivotable conveyor assembly section; and wherein the pivotable conveyorpanel is pivotable with respect to the bracket to move the pivotableconveyor panel between a second use position and a second stowedposition, wherein the second use position locates at least a portion ofthe pivotable conveyor panel exterior of the cargo area and the secondstowed position locates the pivotable conveyor panel interior of thecargo area.
 2. The conveyor assembly of claim 1, wherein the at leastone first slideout assembly further includes at least a second bartelescopingly engagbable with the at least one movable bar that moveswith respect to the cargo area between the first use position and thefirst stowed position.
 3. The conveyor assembly of claim 1, wherein atleast a portion of the plurality of roller bearing assemblies includesan axle supported by the frame and a plurality of roller bearingssupported on the axle.
 4. The conveyor assembly of claim 1, wherein atleast a portion of the plurality of roller bearing assemblies include atleast one axle supported at each end by at least one roller bracket,wherein the at least one roller bracket is supported by the one of theplurality of conveyor shelf panels, and wherein at least one rollerbearing is supported by the axle.
 5. The conveyor assembly of claim 4,wherein the at least one roller bracket is attached to an underside ofthe support surface, wherein the at least one roller bracket supportsthe axle at the underside of the support surface, wherein the supportsurface includes an opening disposed therethrough, and wherein at leasta portion of the at least one roller bearing supported by the axleextends through the opening to a topside of the support surface oppositethe underside of the support surface.
 6. The conveyor assembly of claim1, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of conveyor shelf panelsare independently movable adjacent a wall of the cargo area to the firststowed position and away from the wall of the cargo area to the firstuse position.
 7. The conveyor assembly of claim 1, wherein the pivotableconveyor panel is pivotable with respect to the bracket to move thepivotable conveyor panel between the second use position that forms alinear pathway with at least one of the plurality of conveyor shelfpanels, and the second stowed position that orients the pivotableconveyor panel transverse to the at least one of the plurality ofconveyor shelf panels and no longer locates any portion of the pivotableconveyor panel exterior of the cargo area.
 8. The conveyor assembly ofclaim 7, wherein the bracket is movable adjacent a wall of the cargoarea to the first stowed position and away from the wall of the cargoarea to the first use position.
 9. The conveyor assembly of claim 1,wherein the bearing member attached to the rod is at least one of acastor, a wheel, and/or a bearing surface.
 10. The conveyor assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a ramp extender having a surface locatedadjacent the ramp and movable relative to the ramp.
 11. The conveyorassembly of claim 10, wherein the ramp includes at least one sidewallthat includes a slot sized to fit at least one fastener that selectivelyloosens and tightens to selectively allow the ramp extender to move orhold with respect to the ramp.
 12. The conveyor assembly of claim 10,wherein the ramp extender further comprises at least one magnet toselectively hold the ramp extender to a structure spaced apart from thecargo area.
 13. The conveyor assembly of claim 1, wherein the supportmember includes a plurality of extension bars that are pivotallyattached to the pivotable conveyor panel and are selectively engageablewith a portion of the cargo area to support the pivotable conveyor panelwhen located in the second use position.
 14. The conveyor assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the pivotable conveyor panel is pivotable with respectto the bracket to move the pivotable conveyor panel to the second useposition that forms a linear pathway with at least one of the pluralityof conveyor shelf panels when the at least one of the plurality ofconveyor shelf panels is located in its first use position.
 15. Aconveyor assembly for use with a vehicle having a cargo area and a cabarea, the conveyor assembly comprising: a conveyor assembly section anda pivotable conveyor assembly section; wherein the conveyor assemblysection includes: at least one conveyor shelf panel which includes asupport surface, wherein the support surface is supported by at leastone movable bar that moves with respect to the cargo area between afirst use position and a first stowed position; wherein the at least oneconveyor shelf panel is movable adjacent to the pivotable conveyorassembly section; wherein the pivotable conveyor assembly sectionincludes: a bracket that supports a pivotable conveyor panel; a secondat least one movable bar that moves the bracket with respect to thecargo area between the first use position and the first stowed position;and a bearing member attached to a rod which is attached to the bracket,wherein the bearing member is movable along a floor of the cargo area,and wherein the bearing member and rod supports the bracket.
 16. Theconveyor assembly of claim 15, wherein the pivotable conveyor panel ispivotable with respect to the bracket to move the pivotable conveyorpanel between a second use position and a second stowed position,wherein the second use position locates at least a portion of thepivotable conveyor panel exterior of the cargo area and the secondstowed position locates the pivotable conveyor panel interior of thecargo area.
 17. A conveyor assembly for use with a vehicle having acargo area and a cab area, the conveyor assembly comprising: a conveyorassembly section and a pivotable conveyor assembly section; wherein theconveyor assembly section includes: at least one conveyor shelf panelwhich includes a support surface, wherein the support surface issupported by at least one movable bar that moves with respect to thecargo area between a first use position and a first stowed position;wherein the at least one conveyor shelf panel is movable adjacent to thepivotable conveyor assembly section; wherein the pivotable conveyorassembly section includes: a bracket that supports a pivotable conveyorpanel; a second at least one movable bar that moves the bracket withrespect to the cargo area between the first use position and the firststowed position; and a ramp that is pivotally attached, and linearlyslidable, relative to the pivotable conveyor panel.